An Office 365 Home subscription (say $100 but you can get Office 365 for less) plus some ebooks and maybe some downloadable software or subscriptions can add up. Adobe Creative Cloud subscription costs $600 plus tax.

First, establish an address in one of those no sales tax states. Maybe you have a friend there? Or look online for a reputable mail redirection service – these services will give you a physical address in that state. Little, if any, paperwork may go to that address since everything is done online.

Then get a credit/debit card using that address. Maybe change the address on an existing bank account to the low-tax state (that might have other consequences so check first). A more cautious approach is to get a pre-paid debit card or low-cost bank account with linked Visa/Mastercard debit card. Pre-paid debit Visa/Mastercards can be used online and can be ‘topped up’ as necessary. There are even ‘virtual’ cards where you get the ‘card’ number, expiry etc but no physical card.

Sounds complicated? There’s a bit to setup so it’s not worth it just for an annual Office 365 Home payment. If you’re buying a lot of online/virtual products then the small cost/hassle is outweighed by the savings.

Sign of the Times disclaimer

This suggestion is based on the best of our knowledge and information from other Office-Watch.com readers. Use at your own risk. Savings not guaranteed. Don’t run with scissors. Leave the seat down. Don’t forget to ring your mother.